A shape-shifting bear!? Yes, there is such a thing – it’s called a werebear! In fact, in myths and legends, the werebear is depicted as being more ferocious if attacked than a werewolf! Luckily, many legends say that the werebear typically keeps to himself.
Similar to a werewolf, the werebear is a human that has shapeshifting abilities – but instead of transforming into a wolf (aka the werewolf) someone that is a werebear will transform from human into a bear! This transformation typically happens during the period of the full moon, when muscles thicken and hair grows all over the body of the afflicted individual.
Although there are many legends of the werebear, one of the earliest references to the creature can be found in Greek mythology in the story of Callisto. Greek mythology says that the god Zeus had a child with Callisto named Arcas. The goddess Hera became jealous of Callisto, and in her jealousy transformed Callisto into a bear!